Clemson Football: 5 defenders poised to breakout in 2020

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CLEMSON, SC – SEPTEMBER 10: Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables of the Clemson Tigers calls out a play during the game against the Troy Trojans at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Smith/Getty Images) /

The Clemson football defense will have several players stepping into new roles. Here are five defenders who are poised for breakout seasons.

The 2020 Clemson football team is considered one of the favorites to get back to the CFB Playoff and compete for yet another National Championship.

The Tigers will be looking to get back to the postseason and avenge a loss in the National Championship last season.

Here are five defenders who are poised for breakout seasons as we continue to prepare for the 2020 Clemson football season.

5. James Skalski, LB

James Skalski is the only returning starter at linebacker this coming season and has an opportunity to step into the level of ‘elite.’

Skalski showed great physicality last year and will be working on improving his coverage ability this season.

If he can do that, there’s a solid chance he will be a favorite to finish as an All-ACC first-teamer and potentially even vault himself into the All-American discussion.

Skalski has the talent and the ability to become an elite linebacker and is poised to have a breakout season this time around after being overlooked heavily last year.

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